MPhil in English Studies

The course aims are:

• To give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to develop a conceptually and historically sophisticated approach to literary study, both in taught seminar groups and individual research; also to carry out focused research under close supervision in their field of interest.

• To enable students to acquire or develop skills in order to practise research in the field in a professional manner; to give students the opportunity to develop a critical and methodological framework, and to acquire relevant bibliographical and electronic skills.

• To prepare students (where relevant) for doctoral research in a range of different research areas with a literary dimension.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students should have developed:

1. A deeper knowledge of literature and its contexts (critical, cultural, historical), in general, and of their chosen area of research in particular.
2. A critical understanding of the material, cultural, theoretical and social contexts which inform their chosen area of research and of the scholarly debates within it.

Skills and Other Attributes

By the end of the course, students should have:

1. Demonstrated independent judgment based on their own research.
2. Acquired or consolidated the skills of professional discovery, and of recording and presenting scholarly research, including critical, IT, bibliographical and other skills.
3. Learned how to timetable independent research so as to produce written work of a high standard to a clearly defined timetable.
4. Learned how to participate articulately and effectively in seminar discussions.

Continuing

MPhil students in English Studies who wish to continue to the PhD must apply for admission through the University's admission processes, taking funding and application deadlines into consideration. Readmission is not automatic and each application is considered on its own merits. The expected standard for continuation is an overall mark of at least 70 in the MPhil course including at least 70 for the dissertation.  Other conditions may be imposed.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.